Metal furniture



J. u. RIDDER METAL FURNITURE Nov. 13, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 28, 1944 Nov. 13, 19-51 Jfu. RIDDER 4, METAL FURNITURE Filed Dec. 28, 1944 I 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 13, 1951 Filed Dec. 28, 1944 J? U. RIDDER METAL FURNITURE 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Nov. 13, 1951 J. u. RIDDER 7 2,574,758

METAL FURNITURE Filed Dec. 28, 1944 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 J: u. R IDDER METAL FURNITURE Nov. 13, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 28, 1944 Nov. 13, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Dec. 28, 1944 INVENTOR.

Patented Nov. 13, 1951 METAL FURNITURE Joseph U. Ridder, Lakewood, Ohio, assignor to The Yoder Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application December 28, 1944, Serial No. 570,168

2 Claims.

This invention relates to an improvement in metal furniture and to the standardizing of certain of the elements thereof for the purpose of facilitating altering the design without the necessity for altering all the structural elements.

It is the purpose of the present invention to provide an article of metal furniture which can be readily made to conform to standard design for such furniture or can be altered to meet changes in design requirements. The furniture is built up of separable elements which may be readily assembled, whereby it is possible to eliminate much expense in the manufacture of the article as well as provide a stock of parts which may be utilized in the assembly of many different types of articles of furniture.

The preferred embodiment of the invention consists of a post, panel, pedestal and drawer guide construction which is susceptible of use to form difierent types of metal cases, desks, cabinets or household structures.

One object of the invention lies in the provision of a post construction including means ,for frictionally engaging and securing thereto one or more panels.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of interchangeable rails, drawer guides and other parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved metal furniture consisting of fabricated members each having frictionally engaging elements readily attachable to elements on other members to form varying types of unitary structures.

Another and further object of the invention lies in the provision of an article of metal furniture comprising a plurality of parts which may be shipped in knockdown form and readily assembled at the location of use and without the aid of special tools.

Other and. further objects of the invention will be more fully understood from the following specification, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a chest or dresser embodying one form of the invention;

Fig. 1a is a fragmentary perspective view of the upper portion of a leg of modified form;

Fig. 1b is a fragmentary elevation of a pedestal,parts being broken away;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical transverse section taken substantially on the line 22 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view (en-' larged) taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Fi 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is an exploded corner view of the chest showing further details of construction and assembly;

Fi 6 is a front elevation of a modification of the invention in the form of a desk having four front legs;

Fig. '7 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view through one pedestal portion of the structure shown in Fig. 6, taken substantially on the line l--7 of that figure;

Fig. 8 is a front elevation showing the method of securing the spacing rails by which to define drawer location;

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view on the line 9-9 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a plan view of a guide assembly for one drawer;

Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially on the line ll--ll of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view through a four-legged pedestal;

Fig. 13 is a plan view of a drawer;

Fig. 13a is a section on the line l3d--l3a of Fig. 13.

Fig. 14 is an end elevation of a drawer;

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary plan View, parts being broken away, of a modified form of desk top;

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary section of parts shown in Fig. 15, enlarged;

Fig. 16a is a fragmentary section on the line l6a l6a of Fig. 15;

Fig. 17 is a plan view of a portion of a desk or dresser showing a further modification, parts being broken away.

Fig. 17a is a fragmentary section on the line l1al1a of Fig. 17.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary side elevation of the desk shown in Fig. 17, parts being broken away;

Fig. 19 is a fragmentary front view of parts shown in Figs. 17 and 18, partly in section;

Fig. 19a is a fragmentary section on the line l9al9a of Fig. 17;

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary sectional view of a corner, the parts being shown in separated relation;

Figs. 21 and 22 are exploded views of the parts for front and rear corners showing details of construction and assembly including the rear supporting elements for a drawer guide.

Fig. 23 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 19a, but showing a modification.

Fig. 24 is a fragmentary perspective view of the parts formin a corner.

Fig. 25 is a fragmentary elevational view of parts shown in Fig. 24.

Referring to the drawings, the invention is shown in one form to be embodied in a chest or dresser, generally indicated by the reference nu meral [5, having a pair of standards, each indicated as an entirety at Hlflfor supporting a mirror. Theachest comprises atop! I. side panels [2, posts'l3; drawers 1' 5" and rear panel l5. The leg portion [5 of each post extending beneath the panels [2 may be of distinctive design and fas tened to the part as later set forth or formed-in.- tegral therewith.

Figs. 2, 3 and 5 show thepostl3 tp co nsist-'off a two-sided structure having walls [8' and if? which are joined together or formed integral at the outer corner 2@. The freee-verticahedgescoilthe;

walls i8 and as terminate in inturned flanges 21 and 22. These flanges if continued, would'form the remaining two walls of the post. Each end or each-sidepanel- I2 is 'fcrmedwithend flanges 24 which terminate in further flanges 25. The flanges-25 are parallel witli' but outwardly'ofiset from the plane-of the panel: The-deptlrof each flange 24 is approximately that of the flanges 2'l and 22-; Thereanpanel l'o' i's-also' terminated at its oppositevertical ends by flanges-2 Tand 23 (Fig. 3), which correspond with flanges 24" and ZB a-tthe-adj'acent ends of thepanel's i2. Referring-particularly to Fig 3;.it will be noted that one-of" the posts i3 receives the adjacent ends of the panels I2 and- I5-and secureS them inplace. This is accomplished-by projecting the flanged endsof thepanels into the post and causing said flanges to lie against the flanges 21 or 22 and-a portion: of the: inner 'face' ofthewalls i 5 and i 9. For example, the side panel i2, when'mounted on the post [3, arranged with the flange 24 abutting the inner face of the flange 22 and flange 25 abutting theinner: face of wall l9. When the panels l2 and I5 are thus mounted on the post, a locking plate 39 1s telescopedwith the post to removably secured these related flanges of the pa-nel's against displacement. This plate 30 is preferably a right angle pieceof spring-like metal co-extensive in lengthto the height of" the panels l2; l5; and provided?- with flanges 31" terminating onthe vertical edges thereof. The walls of the plate 35 are somewhat compressedfwhen it :is inserted into the post' I3 and allowed to expand; inconsequence-spring pressure of flanges 31 against flanges 2d and zl of the panels is obtained. llhis pressure of course urges the panel flanges into abutment with-the flanges and walls of the post thereby: preventing removal or dislocation of the panelsexcept subsequent: to the withdrawal of the-locking plate 55.

It will be noted that the front. end of the-panel 12: (see Fig; 3') is engaged withand secured to one frontpost in a manner'identical withthat al ready described; Similarly; the other end of the rear'panel IIisjoined in a manner'already described'to the other: rear post. Thus far there is provided a structure comprising four posts; two side panels-and one rear panel It is necessary'to bridge: the gap between the two front posts with a frame 33 (see Figs. 2 and 5) which supplies-the necessarydraweropenings for the chest. This frame comprises a pair of vertical bars 34-"and a-plurality ofspaced horizontal rails 40 connected at their'oppositeends to the bars 34, aslater set forth.the rails forming ordefining the openings forthe drawers I. As wilibe apparent from Fig. '1, the frame 33 is the equivalent of one of the panels'for-spanning' the spaceor gap between the front posts l3. Each of the vertical bars 34 is of substantially Z-shape in cross section (see Fig. 5), consisting of flanges 35, 36 and 37. Flanges and 31' correspond to flanges 24 and 25 of the side panel I2 and are fitted into the front post in a manner already described (see Fig. 3). Flange 35 provides a seat for securing theadjacent' ends of the: railsi iill. t'o,the ,bars 34. Inthe'present disclosure, the'frame 33 includes not only the bars 34 and rails 45, but upper and lower horizontal aprons or trim 42 and 43 (Fig. l.) The ends of the trim 42 and 43 and the rails 40 are secured to the flanges 35 of the bars 34 in any-suitable manner, as by welding. The trim 42and:43"may, be of any configuration and design in keeping with the design of the remainder of.theistmctureeandyforms no part of this inven tion other than to constitute additional elements of" the" frame 33.

Each rail 43 comprises a face portion 45, the upper-and lower edges of'w-hich: terminate-in return bent flanges 45'; the latterbeingzcontinued outwardly from the inner. side: of the base portion fi5 to provide horizontal; spring: flanges all These flanges terminate: in shoulders. or. spring catch elements 4t; thewpurpcse of" which Willi be subsequently disclosed'.. It is to be noted? when an article of metal furniture embodyingthapres ent invention includes four posts with a. rear panel extending. entirely. across the backof" the article and connected with-the, rean posts,-.that rails 48", similar in construction:toi'therails 4%); are mounted'on' the innerfa'ce'offthe'rear panel l5 (see Fig. 2), the'facev iil'cwof theirail beingisecured thereto inany. suitable manner; aszby welde ing. Each of these-rails il is:alinediwith;one of the rails 1 45' :to support therebetween: a: frame a 55. Each rail" 49! is arrangedl with; its: flanges? and shoulders or spring catchxelements-projectinginwardly from the panel in. a manner: similar to the provision already-setforthin conneetiorrwith the description of the rails 45 1.

Eachframe 50 comprises a. pair" of drawer supporting guides 52; each of which consists of an outer vertical flange 53, a horizontal: flange 54- and an inner verticalsfiange; 55'. (see. Fig.'.5). The forward and rearward:- ends of each, of the guides 52 is provided with a vertical; securing flange-5T (see=Fig. 4'). which istperpendicular to the flange 55. These-flanges. 51 are joined in any suitable manner, as-bygweldingto the outer faces of the .base. portions: or walls 59' of. front and rear' channel" members; 60.. The" sidewalls 6! of each channel member 60 terminate iniim wardlydirectedflanges .62vwhich' arespaced-from said'sidewalls to. form recesses' 63i The channelmembers-opencutwardly, being arranged on edge with theupper edge of i the base wall 59 flush with the horizontalflanges- 5'41of'the guides 52. The vertical flange 53 of each-guide 52 overlaps the channel members fill the depth of'their sidewalls 61'. When two' guides; 52' and two channel members 60 are joined"v together they constitute the frame 50'.- The channel members 65 are preferably connected together intermediate their ends by a cross member 50' (see Fig. 10). Each frame 50 is mounted in the article-of furniture by projecting the flanges 41 ofthe rails 46; 40-, into the adjacent: channel member 60. Since the flanges" 41' of each rail 40, 40, are spring-like,- the shoulders 48 thereof are moved toward each other until they have passed the inner edges offla-nges 62-ofthe adjacent channel members 60, at which" time they snap into place to lock each channel member to the ad jacent rail. As above stated, there is a rail 48' secured to the inner face of the rear panel 15 with which the rear channel member 68 is engaged, and since the front and rear rails 48, 48, are horizontally aligned, the frame 58 is properly located within the article of furniture. As will be observed from Fig. 1, three rails 48 are provided in the chest l8. Thus, I provide three frames 58, each of which is mounted in the article of furniture in the manner described. These frames serve to impart rigidity to the entire article.

Where the legs I 6 are to be removably connectedto the posts I3, the upper end of each leg I6 is provided with a connecting member [3' (see Fig. 1a), preferably formed from a single section of sheet metal, comprising a base [3a, upstanding, angularlyrelated side walls 13b,- the outer edge of each of which is provided with a flange I30. As will be observed the side walls [3b are adapted to be related face-to-face with the sides l8, l9 of a post 13, with the flanges I30 in engagement with the flanges 2|, 22, thereof, whereby the adjacent locking plate 38 is effective to hold these flanges in fixed relation.

Each standard l8 comprises the following parts (see Fig. 1b): l8! indicates a base member preferably spot welded to the top H and provided with an upwardly extending peripheral flange mm which is curvilinear in cross section capable of flexing inwardly. I82 indicates a hollow supporting member shaped to fit over and enclose the base member IN, the lower end thereof terminating in a flange |82a arranged to telescope over the flange l8la andengage the top H. The flange [82a is of a size to effect slight inward flexing of the flange l Ola, whereby suflicient friction is provided between the flange mm of the base member l8! and flange mm of the supporting member I82 to rigidly support the latter on the top H. The upper end of the supporting member I82 terminates in a collar 1822), into which the lower end of a tubular member I83 telescopes, the free end of the member I 83 being welded to the collar l82b as shown at 183a.

In order that the full applicability of the invention may be understood, a modified form of an article of metal furniture is shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings. This article, generally indicated by the reference numeral 65, comprises two pedestals 66 which are joined together in a manner hereinafter fully described. In some instances, each of the pedestals include three posts and in other instances each includes four posts, so that the article of furniture may be a six or eight post piece. Figs. 7 and 12 of the drawings show six and eight post embodiments, respectively. Referring to Fig. 12, it will be understood that the posts shown constitute a pedestal 58 and include a rear panel 89, side panels 18 and a front frame 12. The side and rear panels 89 and 18 are assembled with the posts in a manner identical with that previously described in connection with the form of construction shown in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive. In Figs. 6, 7 and 12 the frame 12 includes vertical bars 13 and rails 14 which define the drawer openings. An interior frame 15, which form guides for drawers I4, is provided for each of the rails 14, being likewise engaged with rear rails (not shown) secured to the inner face of the rear panel 89. In other words, each pedestal 68 includes the identical structure described in connection with the chest l8 in slightly different proportion. It is evident that when two pedestals 88 are to be used together, provision must be made for an intermediate rear panel 83 and a front apron I8. Such provision is made by securing elements 11 in any suitable manner, as by welding, to the side walls of the adjacent posts [3 and providing on the inner faces of the rear panel 83 and apron 18 channel members 19 for removable engagement with the elements 11. The elements 11 are identical in construction to the rails 48 heretofore described, but are arranged vertically, that is, longitudinally of and secured (preferably welded) to the posts as shown in Figs. '7 and 12. The channel members 19 are similar in construction to the channel members 88, their outer side walls 88 being welded or otherwise suitably secured to the panel 83 and apron T8. The channel members I9 are snapped into engagement with the elements H, the spring flanges 8| of said elements 1! serving to lock the channel members in place. Since one channel member 19 is provided adjacent each vertical end of apron 18 and panel 83, the apron and panel are held in place and serve to rigidly connect the adjacent front and rear posts of the adjacent pedestal.

Desks and other articles of furniture are frequently provided with only six posts and under such circumstances the construction shown in Fig. 7 of the drawing is utilized. In this instance four posts are provided in the front of the article and two in the rear. The two rear posts I3 are connected to the opposite ends of a back panel 85 in a manner identical with that shown in Fig. 3, wherein the back panel l5 connects the rear posts l3. In Fig. 3, no provision is made or required for supporting the inner side panels such as shown at 18 (Fig. 12) and 86 (Fig. 7) of adjacent pedestals at the rear of the article. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 7, the front end of the inner panel 86, is secured to the adjacent front post in a manner consistent with the disclosure of this invention as described in connection with the construction shown in Fig. 12. The rear end of the side wall 88 is provided with a vertically disposed channel member 88 the inner side wall 89 of which is welded or otherwise suitably joined to the wall 88. This channel member 88 is identical with the channel members 19 and 68 and faces the rear panel 85 to which is secured a supporting element 9|, as by welding. The element 9| also corresponds in construction to the elements 1! and rails 48 and inter-engages the walls of the channel member 88 to secure the rear end of inner panel 86 against both lateral and vertical displacement. Inasmuch as four posts are provided in the front of both six and eight post structures, there is no change in the arrangement or construction of the front apron 18, which connects adjacent pedestals 66.

The top ll shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and top 93 shown in Fig. 6 are identical and are shown (see Figs. 2 and 4) to consist of a work surface 95 which terminates at all four edges in rolled portions 96. These portions are completed by inwardly directed flanges 91. Struck out from the side and rear panels of the article as well as the upper trim 42, are a plurality of blisters 99 (see Fig. 2). Each blister is formed with an outwardly sloped wall which terminates in a shoulder I88. Each top H and 93 is mounted on the article and pressed downwardly with the flanges 91 riding over the sloped walls of the blisters 99 to engage the shoulders I88 thereof. With the top thus mounted, it is impossible to inadvertently remove it. Since the flanges 9! follow the general contour of: posts; panels: andstrim they are, when, the: top. is in position; im abutment: withtheseelements zandifurther 'aidiinarigidifying-z the entirezarticle' of furniture:

' Figs.-.13, lflalandzle illustrate: azdrawen adapted. to be slidably mounted onzone: of: the frames 51! and: consisting of. front; rear; side; and'bottom; panels: In. this form. of constructiom. the; front. side-and rear panels aresimilanin-shape; inzcross. section each, consisting of. aside. wall 200. (see; Fig: 13a) having alongits upper'edge: an.out-- turned flange Zfll: and along: its lower wall.an out-turned; flange 292;. terminating in a: further flange 202a: oir set' from 1 but parallelto; the. wall 200, whereas the. bottom panel. 203? is. providedalong: each edge with. a. depending, flange 283a. terminating in. a laterally. extending fl'ange:2ll3af 204 indicates azcorner member corresponding in" shape in cross" section to each of. the postsrI3; the=-flanges'.of= the corner memberrhavinginterengaging relation with the outer" faces. of: the flanges 262; 263a, on; the; panels 28B and. 203-.

205' indicates a resilient locking plate: of; a:. right: angular shape having. along: its terminating ends.

laterally extending flanges zil'iaarrangedztoengage the inner faces of the flanges 202, 203a, on the-panels ZIllland 283. The .plate 205;.which is slightly resilient, is compressed when being, inserted in position: and then allowed to"; ex-

pand, so as t'o frictionallysecure: the parts to.-

getlier; Aswillibe understoodfrom Figs; 13 and 14', the' opposite ends of? the:rear. panel andtherear ends of" the side. panels are provided. with flanges 202; 2BZa:engaged' by a corner'member:

frontpanel'in position'. As will be observed from these views; theherein disclosedprinciple of the invention-in securing the posts I'siandsideand rear panels together-is employed in the assembly of the parts forming each of the drawers.

Figs: 15, 16and 16a illustrate another? form offurniture consistingof a flat top desk: having front and' rear panels I IE1, side panels I I I, posts IBx'and'a top I I2; the opposite ends'oftthe panels I I I being connected' to the posts ISx-by locking plates- I3ac in the manner already set forth, in connection with Figs. 1; 3 and 5. The top H2 isprovidedalong its front, rear and ends with a depending wall H211 which terminates in an inturned flange IIZb, arranged to. engage the shoulders formed by. a plurality" of; blisters. I13 providedomthe-side' wallsof the posts I31: (see Fig. 16a); whereby. the top- H2 maybe assembled andzheld" in position similarly to the top-93.

Figs. 17;. 18: and l9-- illustrate an article of furniture ofrthe desk type having two pedestals eachsupportedrby two legs at the front-and one leg at. the rear; thepedestals being connected at the'rearrby-a plate H4 and connected. at the front-by anapron N5, the central portion of whiohiistcut'eawayasshown' at I We; to=accommodatethe userslegs. Each pedestal comprises an outer sidepanel consisting of inner and outer walls: H6, 6a, a rear: panel II'I, a'front frame I18; which. defines theopenings for; the drawers 8w: (the: drawers. preferably; being similar; in

construction to.:thatshownpinf-Eigs'. 13;.13a'1'and; l4) an: innerside -panel; I"I 9;.guide1rames-indl. sated as .anlentirety, at- I20; disposed .between.the.- wall II fiaiand panel; H 9. a top. I2 I, whichextends over: both: pedestals andthe space: or.- gap be.- tween. them, and the; connections for: the-related ends of .the panels. and top.

The front. frame; I18 comprises spaced rails- H 812, side. walls;- I I81) andlan. upper. cross .mem!-- ber: H80, whichmay be formed integrally with therupper: end portionsof the side-walls; H817. The rails II8b are similar in constructionato the railsrdtl (already described); each connected at its opposite. ends-t0 alined brackets; I I8x.extending. inwardl'y' from the. side walls. IIBb'. The? connection: between each rail H81)" and the ad-' jacent. brackets; I I 8m'is-zprovided by, cuttingawayy the end portions of the: base wall I181 eitheraillwhich permits the brackets. H802 to? engage face-tQ-f'ace with the.- reversely folded. section'- I 5| 890 of? ther rail and-secured .theretoand the end of; cut-away." by a: welding; operation. When.- the: frontiframe I l 8 is assembled; with.the-outer; side"- panel. and inner panel; as. later setwforth; the above described? construction: serves to. eliminate:- projeoting shoulders.

Eachzguide. frame is similar. in construce tion to the frame; 56.: (except it is; preferable: provided: with" rollers Ellis to..- facilitate? movement of' the; adjacent. drawer) and; provided with channelamembers. IZlJar mounted on-rails II8a" onxtheirear panelll I1;- (seeFig: 22.) and the rails I I Sb of: the; front frames II B similarly" to I mount-- ing of the; frame 5!]: as: shown; in;Figs. 2 and:.5'. 'I'h'e oppositeend portions-of: the. inner. wall: H 612'- of the outerside panel arewelded. to the adsjacent sides or. faces of inner connecting; elements indicatedas ;an :entirety; -at I2 2. As shown in Figs; 20;and 21, the endxelement' I22 adjacent thewall 6w is: provided: with a laterally bentv wall' I2'Za:- terminating in an inturned flange I221), whereas thez opposite end of the connecting, element I22' is: provided with a laterally bent wall I22a' terminating in: an inturned flange- IZZ'bZ. Asshown in Fig. 21, the-rails ll8b are connected at theirv opposite ends to the vertically extendingside'walls II8b.-. The lateral portion ofv each wall: Hat is. extended to engage the wall IZ'Ea'andflanged'as shown at 11811 to eng e the. wall I221); whereas-the front endof the outer wall H5: is extended to engage the Wall: I22a' and flanged as: shown at Ilfib to engage. the flange; I221); The related wallsv and. related flanges I2-2b,- l I8d and 1221);, Heb,- are removably securedtogether by an outer connecting; element indicated as-' an entirety atr- I23; consisting. of anarcuatew-all I23a=the opposite-end portions of which are bent. back. on thewall I23a;. as shown; at I231),= then extended inwardly. as. shownat I230 and terminate in. shouldered members I'23d, By. pressing thev member I23 inwardly ,.the.-shoulderedlmembers I23d flex inwardlyand ride. the free. ends of the flanges II 801; II6b;.and. thenspring laterally to. engage theendsof-theboth related flanges I22b.-I I841. and I22b'-I IBZ), to secure the walls H81)! and walls. 6,. I-IBwv together. The spacesbetween the .walls I23b and the. shouldered members.I23d. arearrangedto form pockets for. therelated walls and related flanges, .so, that. theseparts. are held in close relationto avoid looseness therebetween. It.will.be understood thatthe rear endsof the walls IIB, IIfia, are connected. together and to the-rear. panel. I'I'I' similarly to the. construction above described. By. preference the oppositejend 'portionsof the wall H6 are oif set inwardly,'as

shown at H6 to accommodate the. adjacent-end of the connecting element I23, whereby they have a flush relation. The connecting elements I22, I23, extend from the upper edge of the cross member H8c to the lower edge of the lower rail H81) and either or both may extend below the latter rail to form legs for the adjacent pedestal. The front end of the inner panel H9 and the adjacent end of the apron H are connected together similarly to the connections between the side walls H81) and wall H6. The rear end of the panel I I 9 and adjacent ends of the panels H4 and H1 are preferably removably connected together in the following manner: I24 indicates a channel member one side wall of which'is secured to and extends along the outer face 'of the wall H9 adjacent to its rear end. The

member I24 is preferably similar in 'construc- 12% normally disposed in face-to-face relation with the flanges I241). The terminating ends of the spring members I25b are off-set to form shoulders I25b' each engaging the free ends of the adjacent flanges I24a, I24b, to lock the parts together. As the metal of the locking element is slightly resilient, the shoulders I25b" ride the flanges I 24b when the element I25 is inserted into the channel member I24. The walls H4,

I I1 are off-set, as shown at H4 so that the back wall I25a will be disposed in flush relation to these walls. The sides and ends of the top I2I are connected to the side wall H6, rear panel II 1, rear plate H4, and cross member H60, respectively, in a similar manner, although it will be observed that the connection between the top I'2I and cross member H80 and/or the connection between the top I2I and plate II 4 may be omitted without affecting the rigidity of the assembled units. ilar, only one need be described. Referring to Fig. 19a, the top I2I is extended along itsend, as shown at I2Ia and bent inwardly to form a flange I2Ib, whereas the upper end of the side wall H6 is extended as shown at H61: and bent inwardly to form a flange H612. I26 indicates an inner connecting element shaped similarly to the element I22 (hereinbefore referred to) to provide along one end walls I26a, I26b, to engage the walls I2Ia, I2") and along its opposite end walls I26a, I26b, to engage the walls H6x, HBzc, I21 indicates an outer connecting element shaped similarly to the connecting element I23 (hereinbefore described) having reversely bent portions I21 provided with inturned walls [21a which terminate in shouldered members I21b arranged to engage the ends of the flanges I2Ib-l26b and H6w'l26b and lock them and their contiguous walls in engagement with the walls I21. It will be observed that the related connecting elements I26, I21, along each side and end of the top I2I are co-extensive therewith. In this arrangement it will be noted that the adjoining ends of adjacent members I21 are at right angles to each other. To en- As these connections are simclose the ends of the members-121 I provide a closure cons'isting;of=,a.wall having the shape of a quarter'sections'ofa hollow sphere, as shown .at I28 (Figs;-24yand 25)-;i the-radius of the wall being,substantiallyequal :to thatiof the arcuate walls 'of1the membersalfl so that when the closure is positioned its; wall. conforms to the but where the top; is to be provided with a wall I29 ,for protection :or otherpurposes, such. as a glass plate; as'jshown .in Fig. 23,.thisoff-set is5omitted... 1: w 1,:

By this construction it ispossible to completely assemble and; disassemble, an article of metal furniture withouttheaid of special tools. It will also be understoodsthat the elements which'go to makerup an article of metal furniture, such as above described,may be packaged together in a comparatively small container ,or crate,. thus considerably reducing. transportation costs as well-as; economical storage of unassembled units. :L

It will be observed that since certain of the parts .are: standardized for assembly with other parts to make complete structures of different arrangements and. the standardized parts are detachably connected to the other-parts of each complete arrangementrthe standardized parts of one: complete arrangement may be employed to complete a different arrangement. Accordingly, where parts of an article of furniture are damaged, such parts may be readily and economically replaced or its other parts utilized to complete another similar or different article of furniture.

It will also be observed that the connections between the parts are of a construction to enclose the detachable elements; for example, the posts I3 (Fig. 1) and members I21 (Fig. 17); also, the channel members 66 (and similar members herein referred to) being hollow, provision is made for disposing the flanges 62 therein and extending the spring catch elements 4? into the members for engagement with flange edges to permit free movement of the drawers. Accordingly, none of the exposed walls of the furniture carry protruding devices, So that dusting or wiping of all exterior surfaces of the article is facilitated. It will be observed that various parts of the article may be economically rolled into final form from sheet metal, including the parts I8-l9, 36, 46, 62, I22, I23.

It will be further understood that although applicant has shown and described only certain specific modifications of his invention for removably securing the elements of an article of metal furniture together, that other modifications or adaptations of the structure are contemplated.

To those skilled in the art to which my invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. My disclosures and the description herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

What'iiclaim' is:

f1. .xAn article :of imrniture 1 comprising a 'iron't frame consisting :of J spaced horizontal-bars z-and verticalisi'de amembers ithesouteriportionsuofiwhich terminate 1-.in tinwardly ldisp'osed fianges, :a irear member, theanppositelend portions of which iterminate :in inwardly 'e'disp osed fianges, and .side panels each consisting rof inner andcc'uter parallelly spaced walls, the\:opposite ae'nd riorti'ons :of each outer wall terminating in inwardl-yidisposed flanges, and connections -'betwman the opp'osite ends of each side panelsand' saidlrearzmember and adjacent side member, each said connection consisting :of imier ia'nd louter :connectors, said inner connectoribeing fixed toitheiadjacent' lnner wall andl having :eachrend a-thereof amhmwardly disposed .ilateral iwall engaging Ythe inner iface ot the aadjacenttmembersand .terminatmgzm 'ai 'flange engaging 'lthe iinner face "of Lth'e flange on :said member and said outer connector beingtprovided at its opposite:iendsawithzinturnedfiwalls each-engaging the aouter fate :of :the rflange :nnithe adjacent member and lterminatin g in 2a. :shouldered element :engaging Lthe zfree @1315 of sthe .iflanges on said member iand lthe adjacent (inner wall, :said outer connector new :formed iof resilient anateriaL-WherebyLit may the deformed for insertion relative Itosaidiinnericonnectingimember, the :expansion iof :said seonnector serving :to 1 secure said flanges in engagement face-to-faeeioneiwiththe other.

2. iarticle Jof ziurniture a'comprising a zfront frameihavingsspacedzhorizontalzbarszandwertical side members the router pontionsiof :whi'ch iterm'imate in inwardly disposedzifianges,:amearmember,

the :opposite :end Zportions mi which terminate in inwardly :disposed flanges, and side rpanels each consisting .of inner :and a'outer narallelly :Lspaced I2 wallstthemppositkezendmoiitionstofseachiouterwall terminating in iinwar'clly disposediflanges, azspacing :member :fixed to :teach :-inner wall adjacent each end thereof, "each spacing .:member being provided at -each end-with an :inwardly disposed lateral .walltengaging the inner: face of the rzadjacent member and terminating in .a flange .engaging-the inner face of therflanges'on said memher, and a connecting member :for the inner and outer wallsofeach side:panel, each said connecting member beingof aroua-te shape in-crossrsection and coextensive in length to "the height :of saidwalls and provided :along its opposite edges with -inturned walls .each engaging :the outer face ofathe flange on the: adjacent member and {terminating'in a shouldered element engaging 'thefiree ends of the flanges on said member-and the adjacentf-inner wall, each said connecting'member being formed of :resilient :metal, whereby :it may bedeformed'forassembly in position.

.JOSEPH U. BIDDER.

.REFERENCES CITED "The "following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,129,040 McClure Feb. 16, 1915 1,718,943 Card July 2, '1929 :1,-'757;664 Gohmann May 6, 1-930 1,800,609 Drake Apr. 14, 1931 2958 263 Rosendale Oct. 20, 1936 2,084,717 Wiley June 22, 1937 2194, 722 Roberts Mar. :26, 1-940 2,202,861 Mills June-.4, 1940 2,378,485 Jones -et a1.. June -19, 1945 2,412,401 "Holm-Hansen Dec. 10, 1946 

